FAQ Children and Dental Treatment

Children’s Dentistry

As a father with three young daughters, I understand how hectic your schedule can be. That is why I know finding a dental office with a team who is great with kids and has flexible hours to accommodate your schedule are important. We also know how important it is for families to enjoy their dental visit and view it as a positive experience. 
In this blog I will review the most frequently asked concerns parents have regarding their child’s dental health care and treatment during pregnancy.
We understand that a unique and individual approach is required to treat children (and most adults too!).
Our Doctors truly believe that overcoming the anxiety of visiting the dentist is closely tied to changing perceptions through positive experiences.
We all know that first impressions can last a lifetime. Whether your child has been seeing a dentist regularly or is coming to our office for their first visit our Doctors and team will ensure that every visit to our office is a special one.
We have a play area for the children in the reception room with a flat screen TV and Nintendo with child friendly games and DVD’s.  Each of our treatment rooms is equipped with a TV and DVD player so your child can watch their favorite movie to help them feel more comfortable during their treatment.
Most importantly, our Doctors and team of professionals use specific terminology and techniques to ensure your child’s safety, help them enjoy their visit, ensure that they leave with a smile and are excited to return.

We change your perceptions through positive experiences.

 

Our Office

I have designed an office that understands the needs of Thornhill parents; an office that suits your hectic lifestyle and schedule. I know that finding a dental office with a team who is great with kids and has flexible hours to accommodate your schedule are important.  
Our office has many features you will enjoy and appreciate:

• We are conveniently located next to What-A-Bagel & Shoppers Drug Mart at New Westminster & Bathurst.
• We offer appointments Saturdays and Sundays too!
• Evening appointments are available – You work late, so we do too!
• Digital x-rays exposing you and your family to less radiation.
• Digital Intra-Oral Camera – see what we see, with your teeth enlarged to 40 times!
• Child-friendly Play Area with Nintendo.
• We bill directly to most insurance companies for your convenience.
• Professional and friendly staff.

 

Thumb-Sucking & Pacifier-Sucking Habits

Both thumb-sucking and pacifier-sucking habits carry a significant risk of developing problems if the habits persist.
Thumb-sucking habit should be eliminated by age 4-5, while pacifiers should be avoided by age 2.  By this time, minor changes in the positioning of the teeth may self-correct as your child grows.
Long-term problems may include:

• Cross-bite – the upper and lower teeth bite in reverse positions. This may lead to joint problems;
• Upper front teeth may be “pulled” forward giving the appearance of “buck teeth”;
• Lower front teeth may be “pushed” or tipped backwards; and
• Your child may develop a tendency to mouth-breathe, which can lead to swollen and inflamed oral tissues; and
• There may be a significant cost to correct these problems with orthodontic treatment.

How can parents eliminate the habit?
Thumb-sucking – Provide incentives or rewards. Designate specific times of the day for the habit, and slowly narrow the times of the day until the habit is stopped. At first, allow your child to self-soothe and fall asleep while sucking their thumb and after an hour remove their hand from their mouth.
Pacifier-sucking – Cut off a small piece from the tip, then every few days cut off a bit more until your child cannot hold it in his/her mouth.

Westmount Dental is located in the heart of Thornhill. In an effort to make dental care easy and convenient for all of our patients, we provide a complete range of specialized treatments, all under one roof. From pediatric dentistry to orthodontics, dental implants to dentures, whitening, bonding and veneers, root canal and preventive treatments, we minimize the need for outside referrals.

Our office always welcomes new and emergency patients, and consultations are free. We provide evening and weekend appointments, including Saturdays and Sundays (by appointment as days and times vary).

About the Author

Dr. Mark Buzaglo is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario where he completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree, receiving the Pierre Fauchard Academy Award for outstanding academic achievement. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree with Honours. Dr. Buzaglo is an avid believer in ongoing continuing education and has completed many certified courses in all aspects of dentistry with particular focus in the fields of Cosmetic, Invisalign Orthodontics, and Implant Dentistry. He is a contributing writer and editor for the oral health programs at AdvancingIn.com and mdBriefCase.com, Canada’s foremost on-line continuing medical education websites for Medical Doctors in Canada. Dr. Buzaglo has a creative passion that is evident throughout your experience in his office, Westmount Dental. He has personally designed the layout and features of the office to provide an esthetic appeal to the flow of the working space. His creative ability is truly reflected in the dental treatment he provides to his patients.